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June 20, 2012

Roy Oswalt to start for Rangers on Friday

The Rangers have announced right-hander Roy Oswalt as their starting pitcher Friday for the opener of a 10-game homestand.

Oswalt was signed in late May to help overcome the loss of Neftali Feliz, and since then the rotation has also lost Derek Holland. Holland is expected back within a couple weeks, but Feliz will be out until after the All-Star break. His role upon regaining the health in his elbow is uncertain.

Oswalt threw 100 pitches Sunday in his fourth minor-league start since agreeing to terms, and club officials who watched him work over six innings determined that he was ready to join the club. Scott Feldman, who had been holding down Feliz's spot, will resume his role as the long man in the bullpen.

Colby Lewis, Matt Harrison, Justin Grimm and Yu Darvish will follow Oswalt. Grimm got the nod over Feldman because of the Rangers' need in the bullpen and also because they felt Grimm deserved another chance after winning his big-league debut Saturday.

The Rangers will need to clear a spot on the 25-man and 40-man rosters for Oswalt. They can create the 25-man spot if Mitch Moreland has to go on the disabled list with a strained left hamstring.